Russell Henry Thomas Lorfing

Russell Henry Thomas Lorfing

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 16 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Abilene, TX
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Personal Injury

265 S. Leggett Drive, Abilene, TX

About Russell

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

*Voted Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Abilene for 2023 Mr. Lorfing is a trial lawyer, former federal prosecutor, and managing partner at Keith & Lorfing, PLLC. He specializes in federal criminal defense and high-profile felony cases

17 years | 1,000 cases

50%
Personal Injury 50%

*Voted Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Abilene for 2023 as determined by Community Votes, an independent and objective online voting platform.

7 years | 100 cases

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 12 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2014

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Texas for 16 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2009

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Keith & Lorfing, PLLC

265 S. Leggett Drive, Abilene, TX, 79605

Keith & Lorfing

1708 15th St, Lubbock, TX, 79401

Keith & Lorfing

206 W College Ave, San Angelo, TX, 76903

Keith & Lorfing

306 W Wall St, Suite 415, Midland, TX, 79701

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Russell Henry Thomas Lorfing's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

83 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Federal Crime

Posted by Danny M | August 10, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

Life changing experience

Russel got me in very fast, the same day I called, and was very professional, respectful and caring towards myself and the situation that I found myself in. He was very knowledgeable on federal laws and informed me on the point system so we could figure out what kind of time I was looking at. He was ...upfront and honest about what the reality of the situation was. I hired him immediately and it was the best choice I have ever made. Throughout this process Russel never pushed me off onto his colleagues he ALWAYS showed up for me. The end result far surpassed anything I thought was possible and I got my second chance at life! Thank you Russel for everything you have done for me! If you find yourself in a bad situation you can rest assure that getting Russel Lorfing as you attorney, will be the best choice you can make!

Posted by Lisa | November 10, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

A true champion of advocates with a passion to help people

I can’t adequately put into words how thankful we are to have met Russell Lorfing. He is not only a brilliant and experienced federal attorney, but is a man of good character. One who whole-heartedly went above and beyond to defend my husband, all the while treating us like family. Russell and his t...eam greatly helped restore my husband and I’s faith that there truly are some great attorneys out there that really care about justice. My husband was falsely accused of a federal crime many years back, and sadly, at that time, we did not know who to turn to. Unfortunately we hired an ineffective attorney, to put it politely. He only worked hard at trying to get my husband to plead guilty. He took our money, but didn’t communicate at all what he was doing or help prepare us. My husband was rushed through trial with no defense, and heartbreakingly spent over a decade in prison for something he didn’t do. Believe me, I’ve seen the spectrum of the worst to the best of lawyers. So after my husband was finally home, he started going to his mandatory classes. He was being honest about his situation and doing everything in his power to comply on all the work required. After going to every class and explaining what he had been through, he was eventually kicked out due to not admitting guilt. Instead of helping him find a counselor that would work with him in his situation, like he asked for many times, he was arrested for not being in compliance. A good friend of ours had heard of the exceptional reputation of Russell Lorfing and recommended him to me. The anguish and fear we were going through once again was unbearable. After talking to Russell and telling him my husbands story, he decided to take our case, but let us know it would be a tough fight. Russell went to work immediately, and I mean that day. He went to stand with my husband at a hearing we had just found out about as we were speaking on the phone. That meant the world to my husband and our kids and I. I soon found out what a true attorney is like. Especially one who has a passionate heart to help people. He communicated clearly, and answered our questions about everything that he and his team were working on along the way. They always wanted to know our thoughts. In the next hearing, Russell and Chris Solis fought hard for us. They were successful at having my husband released to come home as we prepared for the next big hearing. After that, again, Russell worked tirelessly preparing for the next fight. He stayed in touch with us throughout each step and made us feel like we were his only client. As the date of the hearing approached, we were unbelievably thankful to hear that, through all of the strategies and communication that Russell and his team had done, the charges had been dropped. Many in our community have prayerfully supported our family over the years and this meant the world to all of us. Each win that Russell was able to work for us was nearly unheard of, but he precisely prepared for each step, knew how to artfully communicate, and was persistent. All the while they were hospitable. Wendi in the office made sure Russell received my communication and documents and made us feel comfortable when we visited. I wholeheartedly recommend Russell Lorfing if you need an attorney. He is a real advocate. He completely knows his way around the courtroom and will fight smart and hard for you. He truly is worth every single penny and more. If you are in need of an attorney, look no further than Russell Lorfing. You will not be disappointed.

Posted by Tiffany | September 18, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

The best there is!

My husband was falsely accused and charged and we needed an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer to help us out. We initially went with another local attorney who was more affordable but we quickly learned that was a huge mistake. Federal courts are much different that state courts and it was ...clear our first attorney didn’t specialize in federal law. No one gave us a chance and honestly things were not looking good but thank God we met Russell Lorfing, Before taking the case, we spoke over the phone, he agreed to take our case – but not before asking us a thousand questions to make sure we were a good fit. He demonstrated a high level of understanding of the facts and the case, he gave us confidence by showing he believed in my husbands innocence, he wanted to meet with us to make sure he could help. He took time off his busy schedule and flew to meet us in Houston. After seeing how Russell committed an entire day to go over the case, it was clear that he was the guy to hire. He was very professional and composed. Over the next few months, Russell was an incredible advocate for my husband and gave us hope when there was none. He regularly communicated with us and made us feel like my husband was his only client. Before we meet Russell, every attorney told us that it was a lost cause – that when the feds charge you, you’re screwed. But Russell fought for us. My husband was looking at a mandatory minimum four to six years in state prison. He ended up proving my husband's innocence and getting the case dissmised. We cannot thank him enough. He was pricy but worth every digit on the amount, I would have paid ten times that amount to have my husband’s life back. If you’ve been charged with a federal crime in West Texas, Russell Lorfing is THE ATTORNEY you hire. No one else in the area even comes close to his level of experience in federal law. Thank you for fighting so hard for my family. We cannot thank you enough for all your hard work.

Posted by Emily | December 09, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

Great job

Mr Russell was my husband attorney for his first federal case, he was very helpful kept me informed about everything and the process. He went to talk to my husband even an hour away, and pretty much everytime my husband had a question. Mr Russell and his staff email and texted me with court dates an...d things we the family could do to help my husband. He was very honest with us about what the outcome would be, and we ended up with a pretty good outcome. Thank you Mr Russell

Posted by Hazel Jefferson | April 11, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

Russell Lorfing

My name is Hazel Jefferson, my son is on State and Federal Parole. He was in a lot of trouble, that could have landed him in prison for a lot of years. I was referred to Russell by one of my nieces. This was the best decision I made when it comes to a Lawyer. Russell took my son's case he has done a ...great job representing my son. Russell was able to get the state charges against my son dismissed, my son was looking at a minimum of Twenty-Five years. I am so thank for Russell for everything that he has done for my family. Russell also got my son a great plea deal with my son's federal case My son will be coming home soon to be with his Kids. When we first walked into Russell's office we were treated as if we were family. The Russell Lawyer firm team was very nice, everyone that we came across spoke. Calling the office to speak with Russell, the person who answered the phone was always courteous. I can not say enough about Russell, he has helped our family tremendously. I recommend Keith & Lorfing Law firm to everybody. If you need a good & Fair Lawyer. KEITH & LORFING. Thank you so much Russell.

See All Client Reviews

Russell Henry Thomas Lorfing's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Russell
Joseph Allen Strickland headshot
Joseph Strickland

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Lorfing has long been an outstanding attorney, both as a prosecutor and for the defense. There is absolutely no one I would recommend ahead of him in the areas he practices in."

Kristen Leigh Ayers headshot
Kristen Ayers

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Russell is experienced, intelligent, and caring. He is very passionate about representing his clients and going the extra mile."

Derron Reynard Parks headshot
Derron Parks

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"There is not a more tenacious fighter that you can have on your side than Russell. He is smart,, caring, and dedicated. He can negotiate when needed but is not afraid to take a matter to trial...and win! I have seen his work up close. Not only would I refer clients to him, I would hire him if I needed help."

Brian Poe headshot
Brian Poe

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Russell is a fantastic advocate for his clients! He tirelessly works to ensure that he has the best approach in every case in order to best serve his clients. I had the opportunity to work with him when we were both federal prosecutors and to consult with him on cases since we both entered private practice. Russell never stops learning because he not only wants the best result for his client, he truly cares about what happens to the client. His natural trial abilities combined with the passion he has for his clients sets him above the other attorneys in West Texas. I endorse Russell without hesitation!"

Jason Bryan Goss headshot
Jason Goss

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Russell Lorfing is a great advocate with a lot of experience handling both simple and extremely complex matters. Russell and I were at law school together and advocated with and against each other, and even back then and he was a fantastic advocate. After he graduated, he became a respected Federal Prosecutor, and he’ll use that experience to help you when you need it most. Russell has all the tools a great lawyer needs to get the best results for his clients. Highly Recommend him to anyone who finds themselves needing a legal bodyguard."

Dax Monroe Pueschel headshot
Dax Pueschel

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 02

Relationship: Friend

"Russell Lorfing is a hard charging federal defense attorney with stellar credentials and an unmatched work ethic. More importantly though, Russell is a devoted family man and friend. He cares about his clients, sees his work as purpose, and treats every client problem as if the problem were his own. Russell has a great attitude, works well with opposing counsel, is professional, and will go the extra mile. He believes in doing the right thing and treating others with respect and dignity. Russell has a way with people and strives to leave everyone he meets feeling good about who they are."

Yuri B. Nielsen headshot
Yuri Nielsen

Litigation lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"A skilled Attorney and highly respected member of the legal community."

Robert A House headshot
Robert House

Appeals lawyer | Apr 03

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Joseph Allen Strickland headshot
Joseph Strickland

DUI and DWI lawyer

Kristen Leigh Ayers headshot
Kristen Ayers

Criminal defense lawyer

David Michael Guinn Jr. headshot
David Guinn

Criminal defense lawyer

Rick Cofer headshot
Rick Cofer

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael I. Ramirez headshot
Michael Ramirez

Personal injury lawyer

Chad Peter Van Brunt headshot
Chad Van Brunt

Criminal defense lawyer

Catherine Murawski Deist headshot
Catherine Deist

Military law lawyer

Kevin W. Willhelm headshot
Kevin Willhelm

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason Bryan Goss headshot
Jason Goss

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Poe headshot
Brian Poe

Federal crime lawyer

Dax Monroe Pueschel headshot
Dax Pueschel

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher Blake Wood headshot
Christopher Wood

Administrative law lawyer

Robert A House headshot
Robert House

Personal injury lawyer

Javier Francisco Rocha headshot
Javier Rocha

Appeals lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Best Lawyers in Abilene - 2023, Community Votes

2023

Best Motor Vehicle Crash attorney in Abilene, Expertise.com

2022

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2021

Avvo's 2021 Client Choice Award, Avvo

2020

Prosecutor Achievement and Accomplishment Award, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Lubbock Division

2020

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2017

Designated at Cyber Hacking and Intellectual Property Attorney, United States Department of Justice

2016

Prosecutor Accomplishment Award, Custom and Border Prosecution

2015

Chief's Investigative Excellence Award, Internal Revenue Service

2009

Law Alumnus Award, St. Mary's Alumni Association

Work Experience

2020 - Present

Managing Partner, The Keith & Lorfing Law Firm, PLLC

2014 - 2020

Assistant United States Attorney, United States Department of Justice

2012 - 2014

Associate, Brock Guerra Strandmo Dimaline Jones, P.C.

2010 - 2012

Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Attorney General

2009 - 2010

Law Clerk, Texas Court Of Appeals

Associations

2020 - Present

Abilene Bar Association

Member

2020 - Present

National Association of Former Assistant United States Attorneys (NAFAUSA)

President

2020 - Present

Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Affiliate Member

2016 - Present

Lubbock County Bar Association

Member

2012 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

Texas State Bar

Member

2012 - 2014

San Antonio Young Lawyers Association

Director

Sample of Legal Cases

United States v. Dennis Hagan (1:08-CR-0058-H)

Case dismissed in the interest of justice

United States v. Strakele (1:22-CR-071-H)

Caes dismissed in the interest of justice

State of Texas v. JFF, a minor

NOT GUILTY

State of Texas v. Rusty Thompson (Cause # 012253) - Jones County

Not Guilty

United States v. Glisson (1:20-CR-069-H)

Case dismissed based on a 5th Amendment violation

See More Legal Cases

Education

2009

St. Mary's University

JD - Juris Doctor

2003

University of Texas at Austin

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2024

2024 Prairie Dog Conference, Lubbock Texas

Busted by the Feds: Prosecuting and Defending Federal Criminal Cases

2023

Midland Bar Luncheon

Do Better: How to Win Cases, Make Millions, and Grow Your Practice

2020

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children law enforcement training - 2 hours - guest lecture

Why Meta Matters

2019

West Texas Banker's Working Group quarterly meeting - 45 minutes - guest lecture

Get Rich Quick: A Banker's Guide to Money Laundering

2019

Monthly Luncheon - 20 minutes - guest lecture

Digital Sex Crimes in the Age of Millennials: Cyber Stalking, Sextortion, and Revenge Porn

2019

Annual Meeting- 60 minutes - guest lecture

You Never Saw it Coming: Identity Theft and the Dark Web

2019

Annual CLE - 60 minute presentation - guest lecture

The New and Improved Search Warrant for the Digital World

Languages

Spanish

Activity

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